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Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill (HL Bill 29 of 2013-14)

This Library Note provides information on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which is due for second reading in the House of Lords on 3 June 2013. The Bill would extend civil marriage to include same-sex couples and allow those religious organisations who wished to do so to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Note is intended to be read in conjunction with two House of Commons Library Research Papers, Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill (1 February 2013, RP13/8) and Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill Committee Stage Report (19 March 2013, RP13/22), which provide background information and summarise the second reading debate and committee stage in the House of Commons. This Note summarises the report stage and third reading debate in the House of Commons.